At ninety-three years old, I have been blessed by God with pretty good health, except for being quite deaf. Reading is one of the things I truly enjoy in my Community, De La Salle Brooklyn. I also enjoy dabbling in writing poetry. Back when I had the good fortune to be a teacher, English was my usual subject.
A graduate of St. Augustine’s High School in Brooklyn, I attribute my vocation to the Christian Brothers I met there. In those days, many young men were entering religious life, and I felt that working in education as a Brother would be a good fit for me. Seventy-five years later, I think I may have been right.
Although most of my ministry has been connected with Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, I have served in other schools, including St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, where I was principal. But Loughlin pretty much defines me, having served three assignments here that have totaled more than forty years (so far).
This past year has been difficult for me. I guess I made the cut-off to be considered in the high-risk category for COVID-19. This means that I am not able to be with my kids in school. Before the pandemic, although “officially” retired, I worked helping students with college placement. The guidance office has been my home since 1985. It has been such a thrill to help these wonderful youngsters as they set their direction for the future. I truly miss being able to connect with them on a daily basis.
I had a wonderful honor on my 90th birthday, when the administration at Bishop Loughlin set up a scholarship in my name. I am overjoyed that deserving students will receive assistance with their tuition. I do believe however, that although named after me, this scholarship honors ALL the Brothers who have served at Bishop Loughlin.
I fondly remember brother Peter’ English class at Delasalle College in Scholasticate. I hope he continues to thrive.
Brother Peter Bonventre FSC taught English Composition and Literature at The Catholic University of America, Washington DC, when I was a student there in 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1966.
He was the best English teacher I have ever had.
Not one paragraph, sentence, clause, phrase, word, or punctuation mark in your composition escaped his scrutiny, his critical appraisal, and his sharp-witted sense of humor.
And he inspired a deep and abiding love of the well-written word in all forms of literature — novel, short story, essay, humor, and poetry.
Thank you, Brother Peter!
I have very warm and fond memories of Brother Peter dating back to the Scholasticate. His sophomore survey of English literature was a great foundation for my experience as an English major at CU. Our friendship developed over the years while I worked in the college admissions field. He is well known, liked and respected by many college admissions folks. We have many mutual friends, both Catholic and non-Catholic. While I was at Brooklyn College, he served on the CUNY Admissions Advisory Council where he was of great assistance to us. Some of my colleagues had trouble believing he was my college teacher. At that time he was in his upper seventies and I was in my fifties. He was so engaged and energetic and still is. I believe Brother Peter embodies the La Sallian vision. He has lived out the La Sallian ideal for his whole adult life. He is like the tree that is planted by the water whose leaves never fade. God bless you Brother Peter. Wishing you many more fruitful years serving the students at Loughlin.
Peter Cooney